HumeLink is a new 500kV transmission line which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle. It is one of the NSW largest energy infrastructure projects, with about 360km of proposed new transmission lines, and new or upgraded infrastructure at three substation locations.
The scope of the HumeLink project includes:
Transgrid required a transaction service provider to assist in the procurement of the $3 billion contract for the design and construction of the HumeLink project.
ConnellGriffin was responsible for transaction management services from the initial development phase of the project. Our role in the development phase encompassed several key responsibilities. We assisted HumeLink in preparing important Market Sounding documents, which included the project information document, questionnaire, probity documents, and briefing presentations. Additionally, we designed and led the Industry Engagement phase, ensuring that all stakeholders were appropriately involved and informed.
We also developed bespoke delivery strategy options to guide the project's execution and worked on preparing the transaction strategy, procurement program, and Expression of Interest (EOI) process. As part of this, we undertook a detailed cost estimate exercise to identify any missing cost items, underpriced or overpriced items, and those that could be moved forward to the Development phase. This was crucial in ensuring the project's budget was accurate and aligned with its overall goals.
Our team actively sought and obtained feedback from participants to inform and validate the procurement strategy. We facilitated issue resolution and made sure that agreed positions were appropriately captured in both the contract and technical documentation. Throughout the process, we provided high-level commercial and technical support, ensuring that all aspects of the transaction management were thoroughly addressed and aligned with the project’s objectives.
Our team successfully managed the multifaceted transaction process by leveraging the extensive lessons learned and market knowledge gained through our progressive approach to transactions in major energy projects. This experience allowed us to navigate the complexities of the project and deliver several key successes.
One of the most notable achievements was our effective and responsive leadership during the early phases of the project, particularly in managing the transaction of project contracts. We facilitated the resolution of various complex technical and commercial issues, ensuring that Transgrid had a clear understanding of its commercial and technical positions throughout the process. This clarity was crucial in making informed decisions as the project moved forward.
We conducted a comprehensive review of all documentation produced by the project team to ensure that concise commercial and technical positions were communicated to tenderers during the tender period, evaluation, and negotiations. Additionally, we played a central role in coordinating the project team, ensuring that all parties were aligned and working towards common objectives.
Our approach fostered competitive processes that created competitive tension, ultimately driving value-for-money outcomes. The high level of interactivity with the market enabled us to incorporate innovation into the development of the project's technical requirements. This approach also ensured that there were no unexpected surprises in the submissions received from tenderers, as we maintained clear communication and transparency throughout the process.
A particularly critical success was the robust evaluation process we carried out in a very short timeframe, which enabled Transgrid to stay on track with its project program. We also developed high-quality tender documents that included unique processes designed to drive innovation in the project’s development.
Throughout the entire process, our team took overall accountability for the project, managing risks effectively while also encouraging innovative solutions. This approach ensured a robust procurement strategy, optimizing the overall outcomes of the project.
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